Murch 2nd in pageant

Miss Deaf Texas, Katie Murch, talks in American Sign Language about her history and the platform for education important to her pageant position. Her mother Lesa Thomas interprets.

Videography: Mike Baird
Editing: Marissa DeLisle

Katherine Murch

Katherine "Katie" Deshea Murch, 22, of Corpus Christi was selected first runner-up Thursday night in the Miss Deaf America pageant in New Orleans.

"This is an experience that will help me in my life," Murch said via e-mail Friday. "I am very proud, and honestly, I see my first runner-up position more like a wing woman role. I am excited to see what the future brings."

Murch, a student at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi and graduate of Flour Bluff schools, was one of 22 women vying for the title during the National Association of the Deaf biannual convention. She is Miss Deaf Texas 2007-09.

Murch received a $3,000 scholarship, plaque and bouquet and will continue her work as Miss Deaf Texas. Michelle Lapides of Maryland was crowned Miss Deaf America 2008-10.

The national pageant's three-day preliminary competition began Monday with contestants being judged in private interviews, platform presentations, talent and evening gown presence. Murch won Best Platform Presentation, as an advocate for better education for deaf people, in her preliminary group.

"Katherine stunned all of us during her performance the entire week," said Laura Loeb-Hill, a former Miss Deaf Texas now in charge of the state pageant for the association. "She represented the Lone Star State well."